Little Mosque on the Prairie is the internationally-acclaimed comedy about Muslims and Christians attempting to live in harmony with each other in the small town of Mercy. Shaikh plays the role of Amaar Rashid, the town’s Imam.

The topic of the evening’s presentation is A Celebration of the Canadian Mosaic: Multiculturalism and the Arts. Drawing on his experiences as a Toronto-born actor of Pakistani descent, he explores how, in a world seemingly fractured by sectarian violence and ethnic rivalries, Canada remains a vibrant example of cross-cultural cooperation, tolerance and inclusiveness. But he doesn’t paper over the racism and social injustice that still linger; he instead speaks frankly — and, it must be noted, entertainingly — about the ways we can address these problems, especially through the arts.

Shaikh is in town as part of the Edmonton Speaker Series, a selection of speakers presented by three local non-profit organizations that are celebrating anniversaries. Edmonton Community Foundation, E4C and the Edmonton Social Planning Council are marking 20, 40 and 70 years respectively.

The event will be held at the TransAlta Arts Barns in Old Strathcona. Admission is $50 and includes a reception to follow the presentation. Tickets are available at TIX on the Square by calling (780) 420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.

Event: A Celebration of the Canadian Mosaic: Multiculturalism and the Arts
Date: February 18th, 2010
Time: 7:00PM
Location: TransAlta Arts Barns in Old Strathcona (Click for Map)

Admission: $50, available through www.tixonthesquare.com or by calling 780-420-1757

Date: Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Time: 7:30PM
Location: Al-Rashid Mosque

Coffee and Pastries will be served. Sponsored by the International Palestine Awareness Committee (contact: info@i-p-a-c.com).

Date: Wednesday October 7th at 8:30pm
Venue: MCE Mosque (click for map)

DR. MUSTAFA ABU SWAY

Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway; a Professor of Islamic Studies at Al-Quds University of Palestine, and one of the winners of the Science and Religion Course Award 2001.

Dr. Abu Sway has been active in interfaith dialogue for many years. He is also involved in public issues locally and internationally. Dr. Abu Sway has published many papers and articles concerning Islam and the various aspects of the Palestinian issue.

Date: Tuesday October 6th at 7:30pm
Venue: Gymnasium of the Canadian Islamic Center (click for map)

Two distinguished scholars have been invited:

DR. MUSTAFA ABU SWAY

Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway; a Professor of Islamic Studies at Al-Quds University of Palestine, and one of the winners of the Science and Religion Course Award 2001.

Dr. Abu Sway has been active in interfaith dialogue for many years. He is also involved in public issues locally and internationally. Dr. Abu Sway has published many papers and articles concerning Islam and the various aspects of the Palestinian issue.

DR. ROGER VAN ZWANBERG

DR. ROGER VAN ZWANBERG (Managing Director & publisher Pluto) is the founder of The Gateway Trust and Chairman of Pluto Press. Trained as an economic historian of East Africa in 1975 he also founded Zed Press, before moving to Pluto in 1987.